On July 30, 2025, surrounded by her family, Barbara Ann Lembke, 83, changed her address from Franklin, IN to her heavenly home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
On February 4, 1942, Barbara Ann Cross was born in Muskegon, Michigan. She was a cherished daughter of Wesley and Dorothy Cross. While studying at Muskegon Community College, she met the love of her life Reinhold Robert Lembke. They were married in 1961. While raising their three children, she completed her teaching degree from Indiana University. Mrs. Lembke taught English at Rochester Middle School. While teaching, she enjoyed coaching the RHS girl's tennis team, coaching the middle school academic team, and mentoring Peers Educating Peers participants. She retired from teaching in 1998.
A woman of strong faith, Barbara was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester, where she taught Sunday School, participated in a small group, and served on the council. When the Lembke's moved to Gold Canyon, AZ she was an active member at Mt. View Lutheran Church as a Stephen Minister, council member, and Bible study leader.
Barbara enjoyed tennis, gardening, and Bible studies. But most of all, she loved her family and friends dearly. She loved to play cards, go to the theater, and travel with friends. When her family would come for a visit, she loved to take them to fun and interesting places. Family Christmases were always a joyous and happy time for her.
Preceding Barbara in death were her husband, her parents, infant son Timothy, in-laws Reinhold and Christine Lembke, brother Richard Cross, and sister-in-law Barbara Williams.
Left to cherish Barbara's memory are her three children: David Lembke (Sandra), Robert Lembke, Nancy Bonson (Brady); sister Joanne Waldo; brother-in-law Michael Lembke (Melody); sister-in-law Carole Cross; five grandchildren: Brandy Prentice (Jamey), Douglas Lembke (Delaney), Brian Lembke, Alecia Bonson, and Benjamin Bonson; eight great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of the life of Mrs. Barbara A. Lembke will be held on August 5,2025 at 1:00 PM at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th Street Rochester, IN 46975. Pastor Teri White will officiate.
Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be at the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remember Barbara with donations to: Mt. View Lutheran Church 2122 S. Goldfield Road Apache Junction, AZ 85119 or Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana 2626 17th Street Columbus, IN 46201.
